Holy Matrimony
In Holy Matrimony, two persons enter into a lifelong union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
The Church is committed to lifelong relationships and so a period of intentional preparation is required. This consists of several meetings with one of our priests, or someone approved by one of our priests, to gain practical skills necessary for a healthy marriage. Because of limited staff resources, St. Timothy’s facility and priests are typically not available for those who are not members of the parish. For members of St. Timothy’s, however, our priests bless the marriages of both same-sex and opposite-sex couples as the Church recognizes that the love of God can be made manifest in a wide diversity of relationships.
To begin the process toward Christian marriage, please read our wedding policies and fees below, then contact our priest, The Rev. Roger Greene.
Wedding Policies
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage
A commitment to the religious significance of marriage is a mandate before one can be married at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. You are not renting the building, but respectfully seeking to receive a sacrament of the Church.
Premarital Counseling
After a date has been scheduled for your wedding, the couple and officiating clergyperson will set a counseling agenda in accordance with the canons of the Church.
Music
All music arrangements must be made with Dr. Daniel Parsley, Director of Music. He should be contacted soon after your initial counseling session. Normally, the organist meets with the couple to choose music. The organist does not play at the rehearsal. For most weddings, any instrumentalist or soloist will be hired by the Director of Music.
Necessity for Promptness
Scheduling at St. Timothy’s does not allow for flexibility. It is imperative that all involved arrive on time for both the rehearsal and the wedding.
The Wedding Rehearsal
The rehearsal is usually scheduled for the evening before the wedding and takes approximately one hour. At that time the clergyperson and wedding party will rehearse the ceremony. Please bring the marriage license to the rehearsal.
The Wedding
The Photographer
The rules governing professional photography are non-negotiable and designed to uphold the sanctity of the service. The photographer must arrive thirty minutes before the service begins. First and foremost, the photographer must check-in with the officiating clergy for instruction. The photographer is allowed on the center aisle during the processional and recessional, otherwise, they must be at the rear of the Nave. At no time may the photographer be directly in front of the congregation and no additional lighting beyond the camera flash is permitted. If the couple wishes to videotape the service, the location of the video camera must be approved by the officiating clergyperson.
Flowers
The couple may hire the church florist, H. J. Benken, or use another florist of their own choosing.
Miscellaneous
Aisle runners are not permitted. Candles other than those on the altar and down the center aisle are not permitted. The Parlor adjacent to the Gathering Space may be used for a dressing room. Rice, birdseed, and flower petals may not be used inside or outside of the building.
Fees
$250.00 Organist - contact John Crandall
Soloist/Instrumentalist fees are negotiated directly with the Soloist/Instrumentalist. Please note: for each additional musician, there is a $25 rehearsal fee paid to the Director of Music.
Marriage License
Both applicants must be present at the time of application. Each applicant must have a US government issued photo ID (i.e., Driver’s License, State ID, passport, VISA, etc.). Ohio residents wanting to marry in Ohio, apply in the county where they reside. Out-of-state residents getting married in Ohio, apply in the county in which they are getting married. If either applicant has been married before, then the Decree of Divorce (or Dissolution) must be presented. If either applicant is a widow or widower a Death Certificate is not required. The couple must get married within 60 days of the license being issued. While there is no blood testing or waiting period, the license does expire 60 days after issuance. The license must be brought to the wedding rehearsal.
Click here for more information for Hamilton County residents.
Click here for more information for Clermont County residents.